Kenneth O. Wilson, 83, of Belleville, IL, born Tuesday, February 4, 1941, in Belleville, IL, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024 surrounded by family, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.
Kenn was a State Farm agent for 32 years. He recognized most of his customers by voice because of his poor vision, and many still ask about him.
When Kenn was a teenager, he played a soprano bugle for the Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corps until he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was a member of St. Clair Lodge #24 A.F. & A.M. Scottish Rite Bodies, Ainad Shrine Color Guard, Belleville Shrine Club, Collinsville Shrine Club, and Southern Illinois Court 86 ROJ.
Kenn marched with the Ainad Shrine Color Guard for 30 years. He was a Life Member of Little Devils Football Club. Kenn, along with the rest of the family, spent a lot of time with his dogs. He was a member of the St. Bernard Club of America, St. Bernard Club of Greater St. Louis, and a Life Member of Belle-City Kennel Club.
Kenn loved to visit with his St. Bernards, Kenny and Saylor, and often times sat down to talk to them. They already miss him immensely.
The condo at Lake Ozark was his favorite destination, he enjoyed crappie fishing off the dock and boating or tubing with his kids and grandkids. Kenn would do anything with his grandchildren-whether it was a football game, Cardinals game, gymnastics meet or track meet-it didn’t matter if he couldn’t see it, he wanted to be there to support them. He was very proud of Pete and Stephanie.
Kenn gave in death as he gave in life; he was an organ and tissue donor with the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Mid America Transplant.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Orville C. and Margaret, nee Keller, Wilson
- Sister: Sharon Donley
Surviving are his:
- Loving wife of 61 years: Carole A., nee Saltzman, Wilson
- Children
- Krys (Bud) Jacobs of Belleville, IL
- Kara Wilson of Smithton, IL
- Grandchildren
- Peter Jacobs
- Stephanie Jacobs
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children’s -St. Louis or Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Visitation: Visitation from 3-7 p.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL. with a ROJ walk through at 6:13 p.m. followed by the Color Guard walk through.
Services: Masonic Service starting at 6:30 p.m. with Share Time starting at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home. Private Interment at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL.
